Category: Summer

6/28/2022

6 AWESOMELY FUN THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER (2022)

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Summer is officially here, and I am so excited to share with you some ideas on how you can make this summer the best one ever. Check out my list, and comment below if you've ever done any of these before!

1. GO TO A LIVE SHOW

After several years without live entertainment due to health and safety concerns, it so such a great feeling to go out and see a live show.

The other day, my mom, brother, Jonathan (husband) and I went to see America's Got Magic, which featured three magicians that had been on America's Got Talent or Penn & Teller's Fool Us. It was so much fun, and I'm so glad we decided to do that together!

We didn't get a family picture, but Jonathan was so cute! He wore all purple, which is my favorite color and looks so good on him!

I love to get dressed up and go out. A week or so ago, my mom and I saw a local theatre's production of "Legally Blonde the Musical," and you know we wore pink!

2. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

A great way to enjoy the summer is through a concert series. A lot towns, especially small ones, have nighttime concerts usually held on the weekends that are so much fun.

My family loves music, and we love the dueling pianos concept. We went to a local bar that held a concert a few months ago, and it was piano players who did covers of suggested songs. So much fun!

3. GO ON A DAY TRIP

If you have children or, like Jonathan and I, have fur babies, sometimes a weekend away isn't feasible. Instead, try doing a day trip.

We're fortunate that North Carolina has so many awesome areas you can visit in one day. Surfside Beach in South Carolina was a great trip, but there's so many things to do around North Carolina. Do a quick search to see what's offered near you!

4. GET ICE CREAM OR ICEES

Who doesn't like a sweet treat in the heat of a long summer day? I for one am a huge fan of Icees and slushies. One of my favorite places to go is Pelicans because of the wide array of flavors you can choose. My favorite is Tiger's Blood!

If you want an ice cream fix and are in North Carolina, check out Luchas Ice Cream and Churros. It's located in Greensboro and is unbelievable delicious. I ended up getting more of a strawberry milkshake (right), while Jonathan got an espresso with chocolate drizzle and churro pieces. This was the perfect end to a day trip. We went up to see the Greensboro Science Center, which is also a kind of small zoo. It was so much fun, and I'd highly recommend visiting both places when you can. Tell them TheOpinionatedOne blogs sent you!

5. FIND SOME WATER AND GO SWIMMING

It doesn't matter if you find yourself at a beach, lake, or in a local pool. The summer is an awesome time to unwind and have some fun in the sun.

If you're looking for a beach, avoid larger tourist areas. The sand is usually much cleaner and the beaches are less crowded.

There's a place near my family called Carrigan's Farm that has a rock quarry, and it's a great place to cool off during a warm day.

Lastly, check out a public or private pool to take a dip this summer. You can find local pools near you, which usually charge a pretty nominal fee for you and your family to use the facilities. Some housing developments also have more private pools. Check out your options near you online!

6. VISIT A PARK OR ZOO

Last but certainly not least, check out a zoo or a park this summer.

I'm a fan of smaller experiences where you can get close with the animals. Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, N.C. allows you to feed animals on a guided cart ride through their facilities.

And when I say "park," I mean any type of park. Amusement parks, nature trails, and dog parts are a great way to get out, get some exercise, and have fun. Feeding this giraffe was awesome, and it was a great memory I got to make with my husband. Search for local opportunities for interactive animal experiences. It's so fun, and so memorable.

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6/17/2019

5 OF THE BEST SUMMER LIFE HACKS I'VE FOUND!

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The term "Life Hacks" became prominent for me when Pinterest came around. Since it is finally summer, I figured now would be a great time to share some summer life hacks with you! Keep reading for more:

1. MAKE YOUR OWN SLUSHY

Nothing says summer like slushys or shaved ice! But slushys can either be expensive or really unhealthy. Instead of putting your slushy into the hands of a stranger, you can make them easily at home all on your own! I have two ways:

1. Take a bottle of soda of your choice, shake it while it is still sealed, and place it in your freezer for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Remove it from the freezer, loosen the cap, and turn the bottle upside down. The soda will instantly turn into a slushy!

2. Simply use your blender (I use a Magic Bullet) to grind up ice. But the ice shavings into a cup and pour your flavoring over the ice. Add a spoon and you have a simply homemade slushy!

2. BEACH HACKS FOR THE BEST SUMMER EVER

If you're going to the beach this summer, make sure to follow one of these hacks so that you have the best day ever:

1. Place your phone in a zip-lock bag so you can still use it while protecting it from the sand.

2. Swap your beach towel for a fitted sheet. Add heavier items like bags or coolers to the corners.

This will prevent large amounts of sand from getting onto your relaxation spot.

3. Use baby powder to help remove stuck-on sand!

3. KEEP YOUR CAMPFIRE BUG-FREE

If you're anything like me, your blood is attractive to bugs! I swear that I can't take one step outside in the summer without encountering something that wants to sting or bite me.

Word has it that you can add sage to your campfire to keep the bugs away so you can roast hotdogs and tell ghost stories without fear of being bitten or stung!

4. STAY PROTECTED FROM THE SUN AND SMELL GREAT

Sunscreen is a must, but a lot of people avoid it because it seems like an inconvenience. Others choose not to wear it because sunscreen has a strong smell that might not be appealing. But, you can mix in some of your favorite essential oils (for skin) to lighten the smell. So, if you're going on a beachfront date and you don't want to smell like sunscreen, try this hack!

5. COOL YOUR DRINKS IN MINUTES

When we used to go to the beach, we often rented a beach house and had to stop by at the store to get some drinks and food. But, most of us would want to go out for some fun in the sun before the day ended.

Wet a paper towel and wrap it around your drinks. But them in the freezer for a few minutes, and it will be icy cold and ready to enjoy!

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5/3/2019

OUR BUDGET WEDDING: TIPS FOR BRIDES ON A BUDGET

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Wedding season is just around the corner, and I wanted to share my personal experience. In all, I think Jonathan and I spent around $2,000-$2,500 on our wedding. Not cheap, but a lot cheaper than the staggering $30,000 spent on a more traditional wedding.

Jonathan (the hubby) and I got married only a few months after we were engaged. However, we had been in a relationship for three years before we exchanged our “I dos.”

We both admit that we felt pressured by the church we were attending to hurry our marriage along. We were going to a really strict southern Baptist church at the time. We didn’t have a lot of money.

So, with my tax return and a little bit of extra money I had after paying bills in hand, we set off to put on a budget wedding. Here are the individual things we did to make the wedding more low-cost:

THE VENUE

As previously mentioned, we chose to have our wedding in the church we were attending. It was free and we knew that it would accommodate just about the right number of people. There were some down sides to this, of course.

Because it was in a southern Baptist church, we didn’t share a first dance. That is something that I regret, but that is more because we didn’t have the cash to spring for a nicer venue for the reception. We had the reception in the church’s fellowship hall.

The good thing about this was that it was free and it was easy to reserve the space.

THE DECORATIONS

We didn’t spend a lot of money to decorate the inside of the church. Instead, we put to banners with each of our first initials on them on the front door of the church.

On the inside of the church, we hung one of these hearts on each table. I think I got the hearts at a craft store or maybe even the dollar store. Some of the hearts were fabric, as the ones pictured.

Others were made with yellow tulle. I believe I bought both at Walmart.

The real money was spent on decorations for the reception. I had a theme of yellow and blue, so we ended up trying to color match the tablecloths to our first original colors. This meant going to Party City (a more expensive party shop) for better tablecloths.

We used some of the leftover fabric from the hearts on our table. We bought some little, stained-glass vases from a craft store and filled them with fake flowers, butterflies, and pinwheels from the dollar store. I bought most of my décor from the dollar store!

THE OUTFITS

I bought my wedding dress from Amazon, and it was maybe $30. I didn’t LOVE my dress, but I was on a budget and just needed something. I bought the shoes at a shoe store. I also used Amazon for the ties for Jonathan, his brothers, and his dad. I bought bowties for my brother and Jeremy, my “man of honor” from Amazon as well.

My bridesmaids bought their own dresses, and they were from a cheap store. Can’t remember which one! Jeremy’s suspenders came with his bowtie! I did my own makeup and my mom did my hair.

THE FLOWERS

We went very untraditional for our flowers. We didn’t have a ton of flowers at the wedding because flowers are so expensive! A quick search reveals that many couples spend close to $1,400 just on flowers.

Instead, my mom agreed to painstakingly crochet flowers for the boutonnieres, bridesmaid bouquets, and my bouquet. She decorated them appropriately and I absolutely loved this idea! I just paid for yarn.

I don’t have exact numbers, but I came out way under $100 for the yarn, and my mom made them for me for free!

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

I had a friend from work take photos at my wedding. She did it for me as a gift for my wedding. She didn’t have much equipment, and I had to edit these for myself. It was free and I got what I needed. But, I know that a lot of my family wish there were more.

I’m not going to complain because it was free and I’m glad I have something!

THE PROGRAMS

Use VistaPrint.com for programs. Not sponsored or anything, but they always seem to have a discount and the printing is amazing. I spent $40 for 100 of these. Full-color, front and back, folded programs! Love <3.

I also designed my own invite, because I’m a graphic designer. I also made a little activity book for the kids to keep them entertained during the more boring parts of our nuptials. I did blur some information and names, but you see the basic idea!

THE CAKE

Yet again, a wonderful friend came through to create the MOST PERFECT wedding cake. This was free as well because she is so awesome and she knew our situation! I feel like the cake was one of the most amazing parts of my wedding.

She also made Jonathan a groom cake that was in the shape of the Batman light (he loves Batman).

I adore my friend for making me this. They also made the trip up to help cut and serve the cake!

THE FOOD

The food at my wedding was great, but it all came at a cost. This is probably my biggest regret from my wedding. I spent the night before my wedding peeling potatoes, prepping macaroni, and doing a whole host of other things instead of spending time with my friends and family. We bought chicken from the Walmart deli, and it was good.

The food was also good because of the hand cooking J, but I wish it was less intense. I would recommend doing some sort of catering, but we just didn’t have the money for it!

THE EXIT

I don’t think that exits are all that expensive, but my exit consisted of balloons that we bought from the dollar store being blown up so that people could pelt us with them as we left.

We drove off in Jonathan’s car and went back to our place for a while until the guests were gone. We came back to help clean up!

CAUTIONS

I will caution you that there are some things you need to change to make sure you can have the moments you deserve. I SO regret the food situation. My mom and brother are so amazing. They, as well as some family friends, were running around that morning doing last minute things for me. However, we missed out on some of the special moments that would have been amazing. I know that now, and I realize (now that I’m older) how special they would have been. But, you live and you learn.

This photo is my favorite. My brother had returned a ring to me that he gave me when I was younger. It made me cry!

MUCH THANKS TO:

My mom for helping me plan, making the flowers, and giving up time with me to prepare! Really for helping me with everything!
My brother for moving a ton of stuff and doing some decorating.
To my grandparents (love you, Grandy) who came down and helped as best they could!
Wendy and Katie for the AMAZING cakes and for coming down to see me get hitched.
To Tracey for her help on the day of with meal prep!
All of our friends and family who flash mobbed our wedding with an a capella version of "How Great Thou Art," which I love to this day!
My best friends for putting up with my craziness and coming together so quickly.

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lifestyle

6 AWESOMELY FUN THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER (2022)

1. GO TO A LIVE SHOW

2. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

3. GO ON A DAY TRIP

4. GET ICE CREAM OR ICEES

5. FIND SOME WATER AND GO SWIMMING

6. VISIT A PARK OR ZOO

5 OF THE BEST SUMMER LIFE HACKS I'VE FOUND!

1. MAKE YOUR OWN SLUSHY

2. BEACH HACKS FOR THE BEST SUMMER EVER

3. KEEP YOUR CAMPFIRE BUG-FREE

4. STAY PROTECTED FROM THE SUN AND SMELL GREAT

5. COOL YOUR DRINKS IN MINUTES

OUR BUDGET WEDDING: TIPS FOR BRIDES ON A BUDGET

THE VENUE

THE DECORATIONS

THE OUTFITS

THE FLOWERS

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

THE PROGRAMS

THE CAKE

THE FOOD

THE EXIT

CAUTIONS

MUCH THANKS TO:

Archives

Categories

​lifestyle

6 AWESOMELY FUN THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER (2022)

1. GO TO A LIVE SHOW

2. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

3. GO ON A DAY TRIP

4. GET ICE CREAM OR ICEES

5. FIND SOME WATER AND GO SWIMMING

6. VISIT A PARK OR ZOO

5 OF THE BEST SUMMER LIFE HACKS I'VE FOUND!

1. MAKE YOUR OWN SLUSHY

2. BEACH HACKS FOR THE BEST SUMMER EVER

3. KEEP YOUR CAMPFIRE BUG-FREE

4. STAY PROTECTED FROM THE SUN AND SMELL GREAT

5. COOL YOUR DRINKS IN MINUTES

OUR BUDGET WEDDING: TIPS FOR BRIDES ON A BUDGET

​THE VENUE

​THE DECORATIONS

​THE OUTFITS

​THE FLOWERS

​THE PHOTOGRAPHER

​THE PROGRAMS

​THE CAKE

​THE FOOD

​THE EXIT

​CAUTIONS

MUCH THANKS TO:

Archives

Categories

lifestyle

THE VENUE

THE DECORATIONS

THE OUTFITS

THE FLOWERS

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

THE PROGRAMS

THE CAKE

THE FOOD

THE EXIT

CAUTIONS